The majority of college students have at least one thing they would like to change about their school; whether that includes food, campus transportation, or the dorm visitation policy. However, not every single student has the position to actualize these ideas, this is where the Student Government Association comes in.

SGA is an abbreviation that regularly floats around campus followed by confusion. What is SGA and what difference do our SGA members make to the Morgan State University experience?

SGA member Erica Knox provided deeper insight about the association.

“The SGA or Student Government Association is basically a student organization that acts as a mediator between the students and the administration,” said Knox.

This means any issues you have- ranging from Morgan’s food quality to campus safety- should be addressed and considered by members of SGA so necessary changes can be made.

“Our job is to be the voice of the students to find out the day in the life of the students holistically, getting a feel for the students, advocating for the students, knowing what they want, and making sure any of the questions and decision making that is happening on a university level is always in the perspective of the students,” says SGA President, Marcus Bennett.

The SGA is student-oriented. SGA members make it a priority to hear student perspectives.

Student popularity, in most some cases, can be a tremendous aid.

“If you don’t have the vote of your campus you’re not gonna’ have the student support in your endeavors so you need that popularity in a sense because it also boosts the morale of the people who voted for you,” said Joy Barnes, SGA vice president.

SGA members have made necessary improvements to the university with the assistance of student input including the implementation of zip cars on campus, repairing broken lights, and extending Morgan’s shuttle services until 2am on the weekends.

Yet, it can be challenging mediating between student concerns and administration.

“ One difficulty that I would say that I think every SGA president has always had is trying to advocate for the students cause that is your primary role as SGA president and vice president but to also balance the relationship that you do have with the administration,” said Bennett.

Nevertheless, the members of SGA are determined to continuously utilize their position to administer change that best suits the needs of Morgan students.

“It should never be about the role, it should always be about the goal, the student perspective, the student experience and how you can bring that to the students,” said Bennett.